Tom Vilsack on Civil Rights

Democratic IA Governor

Rated “B” by National Review on pro-gay issues

On Gay Marriage: The National Review gives Gilmore, an “F” on the issue of gay marriage. By way of comparison to other then governors, Schwarzenegger of California had a “D.” Rell of Connecticut had a “C.”
Vilsack of Iowa a “B.” Baldacci of Maine an “A.”

Grades were based upon, “ whether they sign or veto legislation regarding homosexuality. They also receive grades based on their public opinions expressed on homosexual issues.”

Hosted Governor’s Conference on LGBT Youth

Students told stories of harassment to 500 educators and others at Drake University who attended the Governor’s Conference on LGBT Youth, hosted by Gov. Tom Vilsack,
Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force.

Source: PoliticalGateway.com
Feb 26, 2006

Declared English as Iowa’s official language

Vilsack signed a measure in 2002 declaring English the state’s official language. The law makes English the state’s official language and requires that all government proceedings be conducted in English. Exceptions are for teaching foreign languages
in school, and on trade and similar issues. Aides said Vilsack decided to make Iowa the 27th state with such a law because the measure was more symbolic. Influencing Vilsack was a $1 million increase for programs to teach English as a second language.

Source: Associated Press
Jun 17, 2004

Demand full funding to help Americans vote

Other federal priorities include protecting state sovereignty to establish tax policy and full funding for the Help America Vote Act.

Source: Press Release
Jan 23, 2004

Shift from group preferences to economic empowerment of all.

Vilsack signed the manifesto, "A New Agenda for the New Decade":

Strengthen America’s Common Civic Culture The more ethnically and culturally diverse America becomes, the harder we must all work to affirm our common civic culture -- the values and democratic institutions we share and that define our national identity as Americans. This means we should resist an “identity politics” that confers rights and entitlements on groups and instead affirm our common rights and responsibilities as citizens. Multiethnic democracy requires fighting discrimination against marginalized groups; empowering the disadvantaged to join the economic, political, and cultural mainstream; and respecting diversity while insisting that what we have in common as Americans is more important than how we differ. One way to encourage an ethic of citizenship and mutual obligation is to promote voluntary national service.
If expanded to become available to everyone who wants to participate, national service can help turn the strong impulse toward volunteerism among our young people into a major resource in addressing our social problems. It will also help revive a sense of patriotism and national unity at a time when military service is no longer the common experience of young Americans.

Support principles embodied in the Equal Rights Amendment.

Vilsack adopted the National Governors Association policy:

In 1976 the National Governors Association expressed support for ratification and implementation of the Equal Rights Amendment, which would constitutionally guarantee full citizenship rights and opportunities for women. In 1982 the drive for ratification fell short, and efforts to initiate the amendatory process were taken.

The National Governors Association reaffirms its support for the principles embodied in the Equal Rights Amendment, i.e., that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on the basis of gender.